Labor & Employment Associate

A nationally recognized Am Law 100 firm is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate to join its San Diego office. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior attorney to work on sophisticated California employment litigation matters while advising employers on day-to-day workplace issues. The role offers significant responsibility, direct client interaction, and exposure to high-profile wage and hour class actions, PAGA litigation, and employment counseling. The ideal candidate will have experience with California employment litigation, strong legal writing skills, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced practice. Responsibilities Represent employers in a broad range of labor and employment litigation matters in state and federal courts. Handle California wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) litigation. Defend employers in discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and related employment claims. Provide day-to-day counseling to employers on a wide range of employment law issues. Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, and other substantive court filings. Conduct legal research and analyze complex employment law issues. Manage written discovery, document production, and other discovery-related matters. Participate in motion practice and litigation strategy. Assist with trial preparation for matters in state and federal courts. Participate in settlement conferences, mediations, and negotiations. Build and maintain strong client relationships while collaborating closely with partners and colleagues. Qualifications J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required. Active California Bar admission and good standing required. 2-3 years of labor and employment law experience required. Experience with California wage and hour class action litigation required. Experience handling PAGA litigation required. Experience litigating discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and related employment claims required. Experience providing day-to-day employment counseling required. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills required. Experience with discovery, motion practice, and drafting pleadings, motions, and other court filings required. Trial preparation experience preferred. Experience participating in settlement conferences and negotiations preferred. Strong academic credentials required. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and client communication skills required. Demonstrated client relationship and business development skills preferred. Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced law firm environment required. Expected salary: $240,000 - $260,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k), adoption assistance, backup dependent care, and other firm-sponsored benefits. Opportunity to work within a nationally recognized Labor & Employment Practice representing employers in sophisticated California employment matters. Significant responsibility, direct client interaction, mentorship, and excellent long-term professional development opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr